Before You Say Anything : The Untold Stories and Failproof Strategies of a Very Discreet Speechwriter

Victoria Wellman’s Before You Say Anything invites readers into the game-changing creative process of New York’s busiest speechwriter, delivering actionable insights for anyone tasked with speaking in public.

In the age of information and influence, the ability to authentically express yourself in words has become both a rite of passage and an essential skill for anyone who wants to make a difference—however modest or grand—in their family, community, workplace, or at the podium in front of thousands. And yet the conventional wisdom around what resonates for today’s speakers and their audiences has failed to evolve, leaving speakers wondering how they will craft a speech that provides the individuality, originality and authenticity our culture demands. While we can’t all be the next Amanda Gorman, however, there is a roadmap every speaker can follow—regardless of their experience—to elevate a narrative from serviceable to unforgettable. This is true whether you are roasting a colleague at an office party, delivering a keynote industry address, accepting an award, or eulogizing a loved one.

In Before You Say Anything, Victoria Wellman—the founder and president of Manhattan-based speechwriting company The Oratory Laboratory—shares her unique methodology for researching, reimagining, crafting, and delivering a professional quality speech by focusing on three core objectives: respect for the audience, the restless pursuit of originality, and intentionality behind every word. Full of hilarious anecdotes and examples from Wellman’s extensive experience as the go-to speechwriter for power players and everyday people from around the world, Before You Say Anything is an irresistible antidote to the age-old doctrine of what a speech must include. Instead it will leave readers with an enlightened and refreshing way of thinking about their sources, ideas and material, and a strategy of putting it all to use.

"Speechwriting is difficult. Finding the right ideas, forming the right structure, choosing the right words – all of it is difficult. And sometimes absurd. What a joy to see Victoria Wellman deftly demystify the process behind a good speech while bringing to life all the delightful absurdity intrinsic to our craft.” —Cody Keenan, former chief speechwriter to President Obama and author of Grace

"Before You Say Anything is, first and foremost, an extremely useful book for those faced with the challenge of public speaking, but it holds enormous pleasures—in its brisk, no-nonsense style and parade of hilarious, brilliantly told anecdotes, and subtle but powerful profundities—even for those who lack speech-making opportunities." --Gideon Lewis-Kraus, author of A Sense of Direction

"When it comes to public speaking, old habits die hard--and on stage. Victoria's vast experience in guiding people away from the tired and cliched to the very heart of communication that connects makes this book stand apart. Her creative process will elevate your speaking game and inspire you to continuous improvement." --Travis Bradberry, Chief People Scientist at LEADx and New York Times bestselling author of Emotional Intelligence 2.0

“With her delicious wit and inimitable storytelling skills, it makes perfect sense that Victoria turned her formidable talent to speechwriting. For more than a decade, she's applied her know-how to help everyone from seasoned pros to first-timers deliver the kind of speeches audiences talk about for years. Thank goodness she’s finally sharing her tricks of the trade in this wonderful book.” --Clarissa Ward, CNN Chief International Correspondent and author of On All Fronts